THIBODAUX, La. -- Less than a week removed from scoring an early-season signature win at Pitt, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (1-1, 0-0 Southland) heads back to Louisiana to the friendly confines of Stopher Gym for the first time this season, hosting the team's home opener against Paul Quinn College (1-2, 0-0 RRAC) on Wednesday evening, tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. in Thibodaux, La.

The Colonels have proven a model of team basketball just two games into the young season, as a "share the rock" mentality has allowed five separate student-athletes -- Dexter McClanahan, D'Angelo Hunter, Elvis Harvey Jr., Kevin Johnson & Andre Jones -- to break into the double-digit scoring ranks. Notably, sophomore F Warith Alatishe & junior G Jeremiah Buford have also solidified positions as a key role players, as the former leads the squad in both rebounds (18) & blocks (3) while while the latter serves as the first option beyond the arc, currently shooting a team-best .556 percent (5-of-9) from downtown.

WHAT: Nicholls vs. Paul Quinn College
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, La.
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Roster | Schedule | Quick Facts

• Austin Claunch enters his second season at the helm for the Red & Gray, and currently sports a 15-18 (7-11) overall record with the Colonels.
• The team boasts five seniors: G D'Angelo Hunter, G Tom Clement, G/F Brandon Moore Jr., G Dexter McClanahan & F Elvis Harvey Jr.
• This year's roster is highlighted by five newcomers, as redshirt senior G D'Angelo Hunter (West Virginia), redshirt junior G Andre Jones (Arkansas-Little Rock) & redshirt senior G Dexter McClanahan (Savannah State) all became eligible following transfers from fellow collegiate programs while sophomore G Lorenzo McGhee (Columbia State CC) climbed aboard via a JUCO program & freshman G Tyrease Terrell signed on directly from high school. On the bench, senior F Jaylen Fornes (UNC-Wilmington), redshirt sophomore F Najee Garvin (Charlotte), redshirt sophomore G Isaac Johnson (Western Illinois) & redshirt sophomore G Lafayette Dorsey (Pacific) will sit out due to NCAA Transfer Restrictions.
• This season's depth chart features four players from across the state of Louisiana, three from Georgia, a pair from Texas and one from each of the following: Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Minnesota & California.
• The Colonels were projected to finish 11th in the Southland Conference, per the league's preseason poll.
• Nicholls returns two of last season's five starters, including junior G Kevin Johnson & senior G/F Brandon Moore Jr.

UP NEXT
Following the conclusion of Wednesday night's home opener against Paul Quinn College, the Colonels immediately shift focus back to the first contest of a four-game roadtrip, traveling north to challenge in-state rival LSU on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Baton Rouge, La., tipoff set for 3 p.m.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Men's Basketball, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_MBB), Instagram (@geauxcolonels) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).